https://youtu.be/Ad09Ni9Hg-w I woke up on a padded bench inside a metal van, my body stiff. Big Agnes, my sleeping pad, was deflated and crumbled on the floor next to an open bag of tortilla chips and empty plastic wine glasses. The rotary spew of coffee from the Keurig sounded like bliss. Kelly sat my cup… Continue reading The Common Wealth of Kentucky
No doubt “becoming more mindful” is on many new year’s resolution lists. I love the word, “mindfulness.” When I think it or say it, it makes me feel better, like a better person even, more thoughtful, current, chill, accepting— yes, mindful. I am mindful. Wait. Am I? Are you?
We, like everyone else in the world, toasted a goodbye to 2020 this week. Some people said goodbye to an awful year. I said goodbye to an awkward, two-right-footed slippers kind of year.
Thank God for Tik Tok. You won't find many Gen Xers who agree with me generally, but more specifically, how could we have survived the shutdown without the memes and stories we furiously forwarded to our friends and family? They engendered an ounce of levity during a freakishly "unprecedented time", and they connected us with others effortlessly. That connection was really, really important. That connection is the premise of this blog.
"I'll run in and grab the key." Mom and sister Maggie sat in the rental car, windows rolled down, travel clothes a little sticky after a long drive from Miami to Marathon. This was mother-daughter trip number five, destination: Florida Keys. The approach was not how I imagined it. The internet has the drive from… Continue reading Under-Promise and Over-Deliver
The line at Subway was long. Limited-time guacamole. I watched people in the front consider their mounting decisions: at an extra fifty cents, guac or no guac? Which bread would you like, which meat, which cheeses? Mayo, mustard, or one of twelve dressings? Banana or jalapeno peppers? Salt and pepper? Hot or cold? A myriad… Continue reading To Stay or Swerve? A Discussion on Lanes.
A couple of weeks ago in the kitchen: “Okay, Bossy Beth!” Julia, my childhood friend of 40 years, poured a glass of wine and laughed at me. I shrugged, “I’m not being BOSSY; I'm just giving a little FEEDBACK!” “Bossy Beth…” I hadn’t heard that nickname in a long while, probably since grade school when… Continue reading Is Feedback the New Bossy?
Easter Sunday may seem like an odd day to publish a blog on etiquette and personal marketing, yet in some ways, it is perfectly appropriate. Today many will hide eggs and watch children or grandchildren pull giant chocolate bunnies from their baskets. Many will go to church or brunch or lunch, attend some form of… Continue reading Time-Honored or Timed Out: Do Manners Still Matter?
"Now for the biggest question. What on earth should I wear?" That was my forever friend and colleague, Una, sitting on the sofa across from me, just finishing the final prep session before an interview with the search committee for Head of School. The question followed other ones like, "What is your vision for greater… Continue reading What On Earth to Wear?
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion: part joy, longing, and gratitude, all bundled up into a warm embrace that reminds us how our past influences our present. Today, I packed up the Christmas tree ornaments, and I felt nostalgic. Each ornament represents a different time in our lives, even the ones my mom bought new and… Continue reading The End of the Line (or Not)?
